(High Point, N.C., July 22, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 6-0 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Truist Point.
High Point took an immediate 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first inning versus Long Island starting pitcher Joe Iorio courtesy of a one-out, three-run home run to left field off the bat of Ben Aklinski. The Rockers added three insurance runs in the last of the eighth which gave them a 6-0 advantage, highlighted by a two-run double to center field produced by Ryan Grotjohn on the ninth pitch of the at bat from reliever Justin Alintoff, and a run-scoring base knock from Brian Parreira.
The Flock had no answer offensively against Rockers staring pitcher Justin Nicolino, who began his night on the mound retiring 17 of the first 19 Ducks batters he faced, including a stretch in which he erased 16 consecutive hitters. The bullpen duo of Jameson McGrane and Ryan Dull put on the finishing touches in the final two frames as Long Island was shutout in a ballgame for just the second time this season.
Nicolino (3-0) picked up the victory after firing seven scoreless innings on just three hits allowed, walking one and striking out six. Iorio (3-6) was tagged with the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on three hits (one home run) in five innings on the mound, walking two while striking out four.
Brantley Bell had a pair of hits for the visitors, including an infield single and a double, and stole two bases in the losing effort.
The Ducks and Rockers conclude their three-game series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at Truist Point. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Robert Stock (5-1, 4.08) gets the start for the Flock against Rockers righty Mickey Jannis (8-3, 3.21).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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